Armenian Prelacy of Canada hosts Ecumenical Prayer for Christian Unity in Montreal

(Horizon Weekly / MONTREAL) – The Armenian Prelacy of Canada hosted the annual Ecumenical Prayer for Christian Unity on January 25, 2026, at St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church in Montreal, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Papken Tcharian, Prelate of Canada. The service marked the conclusion of the International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, observed each year from January 18 to 25.

This year’s observance was dedicated to Armenia, with Christians worldwide offering prayers for the Armenian people, the Armenian Church, and the strengthening of unity among Christian communities. The prayers and reflections were drawn from the Morning Service of St. Nerses the Gracious and were shared in more than 50 languages.

The Montreal gathering was organized in cooperation with the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism and the Alliance of Christian Churches of the Middle East. The theme of the service was based on Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the hope of your calling.”

Among the attending clergy were Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal, Bishop Ioan Casian of the Romanian Orthodox Church of Canada, Bishop Paul-Marwan Tabet of the Maronite Catholic Church, and Bishop Victor-David Mbuyi Bipungu of the Anglican Diocese of Montreal. Clergy and representatives from various Christian denominations, community leaders, and faithful were also present. Member of Parliament Garnett Genuis attended the service.

Archbishop Papken delivered opening remarks highlighting the importance of humility, prayer, and love in living out Christian unity. Archbishop Lépine delivered the homily, encouraging believers to deepen their communion in Christ and to renew their commitment to the Church’s mission.

The choirs of St. Hagop Armenian Church and St. Sauveur Melkite Church offered joint performances, contributing to the spirit of prayer and fellowship. The service concluded with a message of reconciliation and shared witness, reaffirming the Church’s role as a sign of unity in a divided world.